Rohit Sharma sets up India win to advance to T20 final

Rohit Sharma hit five fours and five sixes against Bangladesh on Wednesday. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

COLOMBO – India’s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma returned to form with a fine 89 to set up a 17-run victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday and reach the final of their T20 tri-series.

Leading the side in the absence of rested regular skipper Virat Kohli, opening batsman Rohit hit five fours and an equal number of sixes in his 61-ball knock to guide India to 176/3 in their 20 overs.

Bangladesh, who also lost their first match of the tournament to India, managed 159/6 in reply.

The winner of Friday’s match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will meet India in the final on Sunday.

Off-spinner Washington Sundar ran through the Bangladesh top order with the new ball, taking three wickets in his first spell of three overs. The 18-year-old finished with 3/22, his best figures in the format.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was also economical in his four-over spell of 1/21.

Former captain Mushfiqur Rahim notched up his second consecutive half-century, but his 72 not out in 55 balls was not enough.

Rohit’s highest score in his previous six T20 matches, including the three-match series in South Africa, was 21, and he opted to be watchful at the start of his innings after India were asked to bat.